My Two Cents: Stop Feeding the Bitterness

Sometimes I agree with things I read on social media, but "Liking" them would only feed a monster that needs to starve to death. As frustrating as it can be, the people-pleaser in me is squelched (and I am liberated) when I realize that no matter what I believe, some of you will think I am a heathen and others a saint -- and you're all getting your reasons from the same Good Book. Thank God His grace is dependent on Jesus' sacrifice and victory, and not my brain's or my heart's ability to process information in politically and socially charged circumstances. The Bible is my guide. Reconciliation is my ministry. Every day is fraught with failures and successes that can either take me off The Way or lead me nearer Him. I can only take the next step from this step where I currently am, even if people are miles ahead of me. I wish I knew everything. I wish love was easy for me when interpersonal disagreements challenge it. I wish my (tiny) courage and (waning) energy could get me to the front of the line. The fruits are growing, though, from a tiny seed into a mighty tree, on a pace set by the Holy Spirit's unique work in me. And I will try not to sneer or express annoyance at those who are miles behind me because God is exhibiting the same patience and kindness with them in their circumstances as he continues to do with me. And the goal is the same for us Christian siblings, no matter what time we arrive: Home! I refuse to feed bitterness in my heart. And I refuse to feed interpersonal bitterness, even if I am justified. God's call to justice and His tendency toward mercy confound my limited perspective. Enabling bitterness is as destructive as attacking it. Heal the hearts with faith and gratitude, even if it is difficult, unlikeable, and misunderstood. Don't let the disease keep festering. Correction and disagreement are necessary. But when we find ourselves in those situations, care and wisdom must be used to aid growth. Can we all encourage each other in our different perspectives through patience needed for a lifelong journey, without writing each other off as heartless, ignorant causes? Each of you finds the news story that satisfies your political leaning because that many different versions of "truth" are created. Truth is hard to determine from human perspective because we.are.limited. God is not limited. Ask---->receive. Seek---->find. Knock---->enter. One thing is sure: people are bitter toward each other. Centuries of things out of our control have left a bitterness between humans for superficial reasons. The Prince of This World, Satan, surely is at the helm of this. Pray for God to open your eyes to the things that scare, confuse, or bother you. Stop feeding the bitterness. Please.